How To Emerge at T-Junctions

When you first start to learn how to emerge at T-junctions, it can be very daunting. How to Emerge at T-junctions can be very challenging, even for experienced drivers. So learning it and getting it right is important. Here is a guide to help you when you emerge at a T-junction.

What is a T-Junction?

A T-junction is a junction that is shaped like a ‘T’. It is a minor road that leads to a major road. You can turn left and you can turn right. Other types of junctions include: roundabouts and crossroads. A junction is a place where you can change direction.

What is emerging?

Emerging is the action taken to safely manoeuvre out of a junction when you need to give-way to traffic on the major road. Emerging often requires break control or clutch control to safely come out of the junction at a suitable speed, whilst making decisions based on your observations of the new road. Learning how to emerge at T-junctions is a skill and one that requires lots of practice.

Where do you emerge?

Emerging can take place at numerous junctions, including: roundabouts, crossroads and T-junctions. You are emerging when you have to give-way to other traffic. Usually, when you come from a minor road that leads to a major road. When you learn how to emerge at T-junctions, other types of junctions will become more apparent.

How to emerge at T-junctions?

When you practice how to emerge at T-junctions, sometimes this requires clutch control and/or break control. Manoeuvring whilst checking to the right and to the left for approaching traffic. Emerging also requires sound judgement of gaps in traffic, so that you can manoeuvre out of a junction safely and not cause another vehicle to change their speed and/or direction at any time. Things to consider when judging traffic include the following:

Speed of new road

Traffic volume

Blind corners

Obstructions

Angle of bend and junction

Practical Guide: How To Emerge At A T-Junction

How to emerge at T-junctions ultimately requires lots of practice; the more practice the better. It is best to start this manoeuvre in a quiet residential area. Mid-morning is best and after the school run. Prior to emerging you should have gained some experience with side roads on the left and right; please check here for our article on side roads on the left and right. You should be familiar with the MSPSL routine and have already acquired some practical experience and understanding of this routine.

When you learn how to emerge at T-Junctions it is very important to be able to identify whether you are approaching an open junction or a closed junction. Here is an explanation of the two types of junction.

Open Junction– An open junction is a junction that you can see clearly out of, to the right and the left on the approach, and in good time. Usually, you will have flat land to the left and the right- and your observations approaching the T-Junction are not restricted by buildings, trees, shrubbery or parked cars. Decisions can be made sooner than they can be at closed junctions. Sometimes, it is possible to manoeuvre out of a T-Junction without the need for stopping. However, occasionally- you will need to stop and give-way to any approaching traffic.

Closed Junction– A closed junction is a junction where your zone of vision is restricted on the approach to the left and the right. This could be due to buildings on both corners, shrubbery blocking your vision or parked vehicles in residential areas. Identifying early on that you are approaching a closed junction is crucial to being able to safely emerge at a T-junction. Early identification allows you to make decisions sooner and slow down in plenty of time. Clutch control is common practice at T-junctions, to enable the car to be able to safely move at a safe speed whilst observing the new road.

Give-Way Junction

A give-way junction is where you have to give-way to traffic who have priority. Usually when a minor road joins a major road. Give-way doesn’t mead STOP! It means you should give-way and allow traffic priority and manoeuvre out of a junction once the road is clear and safe to do so. Give-way junctions usually have double broken white lines, and may have a road sign warning you/informing you of the junction approaching. You will need to practice how to emerge at T-junctions, including both Stop, and Give-way junctions.

STOP Junction

A STOP junction is a junction whereby you must STOP. It is vital you STOP regardless if the new road is clear. Usually junctions are awarded the STOP junction status, whereby the junction in question is a blind closed junction. It can be very dangerous if you don’t STOP at a T-junction. It is LAW to STOP, and the driver should act accordingly! When you obey the STOP junction rules, you are learning how to emerge at T-junctions safely.

Method of How To Emerge At T-Junctions

LADA- Look ahead and Assess the road. Are you approaching a closed T-junction, or an open T- junction?Are you approaching a give-way junction or a stop junction? Decide what kind of junction you are approaching and Act accordingly.

Once you have identified which kind of junction you are approaching, it is important to start the MSPSL routine. Check the relevant mirrors, apply a signal, position correctly- either keep left or move right (left of centre white line), slow down and look right and left as you approach the T-junction. Match your speed to what you can see; if you can’t see to the left and right in the new road as it is a closed junction, it is important to slow right down and perhaps stop. Selecting first gear is usually the correct action.

When you get to the end of the road- it is VITAL you apply the LADA sequence again. Look both ways at least two times. What can you see? Are there any vehicles? Are there any obstructions in the new road? What is the speed limit of the new road? Are there any side-roads where vehicles can appear from at the last minute?

LADA-Once you have observed to the left and right, and you have assessed the road- it is important to make a decision. Are you going to move out of the junction or do you need to give-way or stop?

If you are going to stop, it is important to apply the POM routine. Prepare the car to move forward by selecting first gear. If you are on a hill, you shall need to apply the clutch control technique to manoeuvre out of the junction safely.

When you are ready to move forward and you are sure there are no approaching vehicles, you need to get on with your journey and manoeuvre out of the junction. It is vital to keep moving your eyes left and right, to make sure there are no on-coming vehicles.

You will need to steer the correct amount of steer to move safely out of the junction. It is important not to over-steer or under steer- as this could affect your road position when you straighten up in the new road.

When you have emerged safely out of the junction, it is important to check your mirrors prior to increasing your speed. If any other vehicles have appeared since you have emerged, this mirror check will enable you to identify the traffic and react correctly.

Once you have merged safely, it is important to look ahead and build your speed up to match the flow of traffic in the new road. Check for any road-signs and continue on your journey.

Lots of practice will enable you to learn how to emerge at T-junctions safely.